Expectations vs. Reality
Of all the tours, meetings, and events happening next week, I am most interested to discover how creatives within the industry operate on a daily basis. I have never had the privilege of stepping inside an acclaimed advertising or media production agency, and it’s safe to say that my expectations of what they will look like does not reflect the reality of these spaces. Most of what I know about creative agencies comes from little word of mouth details from my friends and peers. Whatever gaps they leave in my knowledge, I’m forced to fill with images I’ve encountered on various media platforms. For some reason, my mind keeps going back to an episode of Portlandia in which the main characters tour the Portland branch of Wieden + Kennedy. While I don’t expect every New York agency to convey that level of eccentricity (e.g. a giant bird’s nest), I am hoping that they all have their own unique, colorful, engaging ways to promote a positive and innovative work environment.
Obviously I could research the interiors of the agencies I am scheduled to visit, but I think going into the trip without a clear picture will be an interesting experiment. I am interested to see whether the agencies meet, surpass, or alter my current definition of a creative work space.
- - - Olivia Dozois - May 3rd - - -
North Portland - New York
My family migrated to the states 33 years ago from Eritrea. New York was the first stop. As I am sitting here typing this blog, my parents are telling me all about the city. It just hit me that in less than 24 hours ill be in New York. Home of the Knicks, Rucker Park, Biggie Smalls. In less than 24 hours ill be alongside some of the most creative people in the world. Ill be in the doors of amazing agencies networking and asking questions. Ill be learning about the agency world and making long lasting friendships with not only people in the agencies but people from school that I haven’t had the opportunity to meet. This week is going to be amazing. Lets make some cool shit happen!
-Fars Woldai
One. Day. Away. !!
Has it really hit anyone yet that we’re going to be in New York tomorrow?! Because to me it somehow still hasn’t sunk in that 24 hours from now I’ll be in the Big Apple with 120 other SOJC students I’m lucky enough to call my friends and peers.
A couple months ago I was feeling apprehensive to even apply, because I was so uncertain if I would get in, and now this trip is all I’ve been thinking about. This is just another way life has proved to me it’s always worth it to try, despite fears, reservations, or self doubts. Either the outcome is exactly what you hoped for, or it’s a learning experience. In the case of the New York trip, it’s both.
Life in New York is so different than the west coast lifestyle I’ve known all my life. I can’t wait to get a taste of the fast paced city, and be surrounded by people in agencies who see the same value in creativity and self expression as I do. As excited for all of this as I am, I tried to remind myself to go into this trip without expectations. So all I can hope for right now is that everything I learn on this trip gives me some clarity about the type of life I want for myself, wether that be in a place as unknown as New York, or in the comforts of the West Coast.
Let’s have the best week; let’s eat so much pizza.
-Tori Denton | May 3rd, 2019
Authentic Networking Tips
So I haven’t been on this specific trip, but I’m really looking forward to exploring one of my favorite cities with 120 other advertising students. I’ve been lucky enough to go on a few other networking trips with the SOJC in the past, so here are two valuable tips based on my experience:
- Before you leave for each agency, come up with one or two thoughtful questions to potentially ask each professional you network with. Chances are, it’s gonna be a little tricky to actually have a long one-on-one conversation, so know what you’re going to ask ahead of time. At the end, ask them if you can follow up for an informational interview. Just by asking one interesting question in person, you can spark their interest and get the chance to talk to them one-on-one on the phone for half hour after the trip (or even grab coffee in NYC)!
- Talk about the work you’ve produced with professionals, but make sure to incorporate memorable stories from your experiences — chances are they relate. They’re more likely to remember a story they can visualize. Rather than saying, “I’m highly skilled in client relations from this experience,” mention that one time you didn’t have the same opinion as your client about the tone of a certain ad and how you eventually came up with a solution that one late night in Allen.
Time to hop on my red-eye flight. See you soon, New York!
Rita Herbstman 05.03.19 | #1
Ready
It’s been exactly one year since I flew the 3,000 miles to New York City for the annual UO advertising trip, and I can’t believe how different I feel this time around. Maybe it’s because I’m in the home stretch of college, or because I’m antsy to get out into the world, or because I finally know what I want to do and where I want to be.
It could be all of these reasons and more. But what I know is that I’m ready – ready to introduce myself, ready to speak my mind, ready to take charge of my experience, and ready to make an impression.
I’m also ready to experience everything this week holds with 120 exceptional Ducks. This cohort is made up of some of the most creative, ambitious and caring people I’ve met in my 21 years in Oregon, and I’m grateful to be seeing more of the world with them. Prepare yourself, NYC! We’re coming for you.
Kendra Siebert, #1 05.03.19
Be yourself.
This will be my time first time on the New York Trip. Some of my colleagues in Allen Hall who were fortunate enough to go last year told me in great detail about their experience, and how hectic networking sessions can become when everybody wants to make themselves stick out in a large crowd. One quote specifically that stuck with me was that the people working at these agencies and other amazing places we are visiting can “smell bullshit from a mile away.”
While we are here to experience the agency world first-hand, we are also trying to sell ourselves and ultimately gain some sort of connection that will propel us into the real world post-college. That being said, I think it is important to be yourself within these agencies and not put on an act. These agencies and the connections you make throughout want to get know the most authentic versions of us, and anything less than would be detrimental to finding a legitimate fit, as we are all uniquely different. Don’t try and be someone you’re not. Be yourself.
Jordan Cordiner #1 | 05.03.19
Full Circle
A year ago, I sat in the NYC class with a handful of friends and experiences. A year later, I’m coming with people and things I never thought I’d have the pleasure to know, and I’m excited to enjoy the city through a new perspective.
My advice to myself last year and to anyone who may be in the same boat:
1. You’ll make more connections on this trip than you probably have in all of your classes this year, so be open.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask smart questions. Show your peers and the agencies that you’re invested, and it helps you stay engaged.
3. Yawning while your mouth is closed is v difficult but v essential.
Hannah Kloft, #1 05.03.19
3 Inch Heels, 1 Excited Student
I have only been to New York once in my life, and it was for just about an afternoon. I took the train in from Pennsylvania and walked around the city for a few hours. The energy I felt was absolutely amazing, so to think I am gonna be back again has given me chills beyond what I can believe.
It has also given me a bit of stress. This year I am a sophomore, the only sophomore that is going on this trip. So I have a lot to live up to. There are all of these amazing students, and I want to be able to do things as great as them. Like are you kidding me? They have made some pretty amazing things and I’m proud as heck to be taking this journey with them.
I have my tickets, packed all 14 of my outfits (am I kidding?), bought a new pair of heels (to think UPS lost them in the first place), and given myself a bit of a pep talk for what will be quite an amazing trip. I can’t wait for it all!
See you soon New York!
Mason Hughes 5.3.2019
more than just new music.
So, I’ve had the UO NYC 2019 playlist on repeat for the past week. (Thank you to the website crew for so graciously putting that together.) Along with finding amazing new music, I have found deeper meanings within each song and the playlist as a whole. Themes of the future, happiness, success, dreams, change and life. As I listen, I connect with each song and try to imagine who chose it. Now, I don’t know everyone on the trip but I do know that everyone is extremely ambitious and dedicated. Everyone wants the best for their future and the future of those around them. I am feeling honored and grateful to be surrounded by so many talented people who are going to do great things in the world. This is just another step of the process and we’re all in it together. For now, catch me still listening to the playlist on repeat.
See you soon New York.
Whitney Calvin 5.3.2019
Let go of the idea
I used to be a nervous person. Sweaty palms, foot tapping on the ground, finger fiddling – I’m going to throw up from this migraine - nervous. What changed? I got sick and tired of being nervous and my inability to control it.
I recently had someone in the industry tell me I was “cool, confident and collected”. Honestly, I have never been more shocked in my life. I literally felt like I had lied to them. Me? Cool? Confident? Collected? It’s wild to me that our minds can convince us that some things are just not attainable. I think a lot of people at this age feel this constant weight, which leads to this anxiety and stress. Taking this trip as a senior, just makes the abyss of life after college feel extra REAL! I’ve had a lot of conversations with friends about their fear of what’s to come. So, I’ve been really trying to focus on my mindset and here is what I’ve told them as I mostly try to tell myself…
You’re going to feel awkward at times, you’re going to mess up, you’re going to make mistakes and you will probably do all the things you fear. I mean let’s face it, life is messy do you expect anything else? So, why fear it. It’s going to happen, and you are going to survive it like every other thing you have encountered in life. In the words of my favorite quote, “Let go of the idea that you must always be who you have always been.”
We will all evolve, grow and change. Own it! So yeah, you’re damn right I am. I am cool, confident and collected and so are you! Don’t fake it until you make it, “just do it” (no pun intended #sco) and you’re going to become it.
Mariel Cathcart 5.3.19 #1